Center for Global Infectious Disease Research

Rajagopal Lab

Welcome to the Rajagopal Lab

In the Rajagopal lab, we utilize genetic, molecular, biochemical and proteomic approaches to study infectious diseases caused by bacteria. The human pathogens that we study are Group B
Streptococcus
and
Staphylococcus aureus
. Although both GBS and
S. aureus
are commensal organisms, these bacteria can also become disease-causing pathogens.

Current Research Projects

Current research projects
on Group B
Streptococcus
are focused on understanding how the pathogen migrates through different host niches during infections. Research includes identifying the environmental cues/signals that are sensed by the pathogen for regulation of toxins and other virulence factors. Our studies on
S. aureus
are focused on elucidating factors that regulate antibiotic resistance and virulence of the pathogen. We are also investigating how mutations in host signaling pathways affect disease susceptibility to
S. aureus
. This is particularly relevant as patients with genetic disorders such as Jobs syndrome and chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) are prone to recurrent and life-threatening infections due to
S. aureus
.

We hope that a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved during bacterial pathogenesis will enable us to identify novel compounds that can be used to treat these bacterial infections.

Rajagopal is a member of the
Center for Global Infectious Disease Research
at Seattle Children's Research Institute, where her laboratory is physically located. She is an internationally recognized expert on the role of novel signaling pathways in Gram-positive pathogens.

What's New

About This Site

Seattle Children’s provides healthcare without regard to race, color, religion (creed), sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin (ancestry) or disability. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is in Washington, Alaska, Montana or Idaho.